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Awesome. We have a date! Hopefully we can figure out an area and I'll see about group rates. As I've mentioned, I have a family member who does this as part of her position.

Once we have a general area, she can produce a couple of options. She does wonders whenever we have family functions as we all live all over the place and usually require a huge block of rooms. It'll actually be kinda cool to see us all on the same floor, next to each other. I've always enjoyed when we had the floor to ourselves as it was easier to find the late night parties with no one complaining about excessive noise.

OH, and if I bring a victim date back, don't be knocking unless you're bringing something to the event.

July 17-22 is preferable for me but either week looks open right now. David was going to get back to us about the hotels I believe.

Jody

Jody,

I'm most familiar with the Hillcrest (gay) area of San Diego. The hotel there that I've stayed in is Studio 819 - so much is within walking distance of it. I did a mini review of it in an earlier post.

As for dates... maybe we need more of a spread. In other words, don't we want to consider August? We also need to check and see what's going on those dates; that can have a HUGE bearing on hotel availability, prices, etc. I know San Diego's Pride weekend is July 18-20. This might influence the dates somewhat.

So, let's look at what's going on before pinning down dates. I'm not sure of the best way to go about this other than perhaps contacting some of the hotels to see what dates they're booked; that'll knock out some dates entirely. Then again, knowing what areas to concentrate on will help. I've generally stayed in Hillcrest or Hotel Circle and have done lots of fun things - the waterfront, gay areas, the zoo / Balboa Park, etc. My driving has been minimal, and these places seem to be well-served by public transportation. For those who want to visit other cities in the area, there's an absolutely gorgeous Amtrak route from LA/OC that's very cheap. I've also found car rentals to be inexpensive here, too, in case any need that option.

On a side note... I'll be in SD for Pride this year regardless of AMG dates; it's a 1.4-2 hour drive or train ride from OC, and I've got friends there I can stay with there! Have I said how much I love SoCal?

Since nobody was moving forward, I just went ahead and proposed the dates.

The first few weeks of August would be difficult for me, so I proposed July and set a deadline because, as I know you know, if you don't it can go on forever.

We can check about activities coinciding, but we do need to get a move on. It is February already and we need to nail down some particulars so people can start planning and scheduling time off from work.

I don't know the areas of San Diego, but I know in Chicago, we were right downtown, in D.C., we were in Virginia, etc. I think we will be fine wherever we end up.

Since you are there, could you check on local events? It might be easier. I will see what I can find on line.

Hope you all can figure this out soon. It is doubtful that we can attend due to my disability hearing and other personal matters but I understand the need to get your asses moving.

Last year was our first year and the lack of input frustrated me to no end. Despite that, we managed to pull together and had the time of our lives and I would encourage anyone that has the opportunity to attend to speak up and get involved. Don't be shy!!

I'm still going to push for the Hillcrest area, as it is so (gay-)friendly and convenient. I know there are other areas, but they aren't nearly as walkable. Remember, San Diego is a big and very spread-out city... I'm always amazed at how non-citylike most of the areas in SoCal are. I'll try to see what's going on when. The good thing is that the weather is still nice in August, so if we happen to do late August, we'll be fine.

Since nobody was moving forward, I just went ahead and proposed the dates.

The first few weeks of August would be difficult for me, so I proposed July and set a deadline because, as I know you know, if you don't it can go on forever.

We can check about activities coinciding, but we do need to get a move on. It is February already and we need to nail down some particulars so people can start planning and scheduling time off from work.

I don't know the areas of San Diego, but I know in Chicago, we were right downtown, in D.C., we were in Virginia, etc. I think we will be fine wherever we end up.

Since you are there, could you check on local events? It might be easier. I will see what I can find on line.

You guys are talking but not organizing. Pick a couple of Dates and a couple of areas. Choose one of each, then find a good affordable hotel and call it a day. David you seem very interested in a certain set of dates and area, why don't you organize since no one else seems to care?

You guys are talking but not organizing. Pick a couple of Dates and a couple of areas. Choose one of each, then find a good affordable hotel and call it a day. David you seem very interested in a certain set of dates and area, why don't you organize since no one else seems to care?

Edit: Do I need to get one of y'all to hold the goat?

That was kinda what I was doing, sorta. (Oh, I will hold your goat for you, if you like. Never heard it called that before. )

OK, so, how about this:

Proposed dates:

1. July 22- 29

2. Aug. 14 - 19

I would like to give everyone a week to consider this, investigate the possible happenings, etc. and then set a deadline of Feb. 14 (that is St. Valentine's Day, for those who don't know it) to cast their ballots.

I would also like to propose we choose the Hillcrest area for our base. We already have some voicing support for it and it is centrally located with access to fun things like the beach and the world famous San Diego Zoo. Also Sea World is there somewhere.

So it appears we don't in fact have a date settled. Since I went ahead and made preliminary plans based on the previous stated dates, I'll wait and see what's decided on before determining my course.

This isn't in any manner meant to be catty, but I had to let another person know of my plans so he could schedule time off. And since I already gave him the dates, I'll have to stick with that unless he can reschedule on shorter notice.

Neither of those dates is particularly grand for me (both during vacation blackout periods for work). However I already have plans for July 4th so I guess the August 14-19 would be best for me since it is further from that date.

Hotels in SD HELP!!!!! been checking the various sites for hotels in SD we need help... the ones closest to Hillcrest all say sold out for the period tried moving the dates around by a week or so in each direction still nada maybe just a few rooms availabletried the aug dates as well .. other parts of town seem to be in $200+ range and still low availability

I am off the coast of Columbia heading towards Panama Canal on day 7 of an 11 day cruise...limited and slow internet. Following this with interest of course.... I love Hillcrest but fear that the hotel selection may not be enough for us. San Diego, like David said, is all spread out and it makes it challenging. If someone knows someone in the travel business, this is our best bet as they will have an idea what to do with a group our size.

Not germane to the topic, but now on my fifth cruise (eternal thanks to Bocker) I still think this is an IDEAL AMG venue. Maybe some day....

I'll jump in here. San Diego is a tourist town. Your lodging prices are going to reflect that reality, especially with the dates chosen. You're smack in the middle of the prime tourist season.

I'm unsure of the number of attendees, but perhaps renting a house may be a better choice. It wouldn't be too hard to find a beachfront in the 3500 - 4500 per week range. Split 10 ways the cost is less than a hotel. Admittedly using a rental home raises transportation challenges. San Diego is spread out, and if you do the traditional tourist type thing (Zoo, Seaworld, similar) you'll need wheels. Little in San Diego is within walking distance of anywhere else. If you want to lodge close to vacation/tourist center you're going to pay for it. And you'll still need wheels to see much. This is So Cal.

Consider this, rent a beachfront, stock the cupboard, stock the fridge, and stock the bar. Mix up an umbrella drink, park yourself in a beach chair, soak up the sun and enjoy the view. I'll drop in and teach bodysurfing if you're interested.

I live an hour and a half north of SD, and am down there often in the summer. We beach, we run the dogs and have walked the Gaslamp district a time or two. If there's something I can do to facilitate this come together I'm happy to help.

I'll tell you true... I've been in the background quietly watching the planning and debate. I was thrilled when I saw SD was chosen for AMG. It's never worked out that I could attend any of the prior events. Maybe this time AMG would be close enough I could attend. Maybe this time I would finally meet the faces and people behind the screen names. Maybe this time, for the first time in my life, I would meet another positive person.

Gay friendly areas? Haven't a clue. Im sure others can chime in and offer wisdom. Great beaches; that I know. Let me know what I can do to help get this off the ground. I'll share this though. Choices need to be made soonest. You're competing with hordes of tourists from both in state and out of state. Chose soon or you may end up in The Hotel California; where you can check out, but you'll never leave.

Logged

Life is short, Break the rules, Forgive quickly,Kiss slowly, Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret anything that made you smile.

I'll tell you true... I've been in the background quietly watching the planning and debate. I was thrilled when I saw SD was chosen for AMG. It's never worked out that I could attend any of the prior events. Maybe this time AMG would be close enough I could attend. Maybe this time I would finally meet the faces and people behind the screen names. Maybe this time, for the first time in my life, I would meet another positive person.

Howdy Denver Toad ! I really hope you get to come this year ! No one can say how wonderful the AMG's are , it's an event you must be there to feel it ! I have been to a few and LOVE LOVE LOVE them ! Friends are made for life . I look forward to it every year now

I'm sure one of those dates will work for us. The beaches in SD are not full of affordable beach houses; it's a better bet to go with a hotel. I'm still going to stick with my suggestions of Hillcrest or somewhere at Hotel Circle. Although San Diego is spread out, most of the stuff we'll likely to want to do is close to either of these areas.

I'm out of town with crappy internet. When I get home, I'll look for availability on and around those dates.

I just got back from San Diego on Saturday after spending the night at the Lafayette. It's such a nice place, and the pool is gorgeous. Of course, we spent time in Hillcrest. The Lafayette is a bit over one mile driving and a bit under a mile walking. Cabs are obviously available. Still, it's hard to beat Studio 819's location. There are SO many places around that we can easily pick one to meet each night for pre-dinner drinks, etc.

My suggestion is for whoever is going to negotiate the hotel rates call these two hotels and see what's available, prices, etc for the dates that have been mentioned here. Perhaps they can guide us some as to alternate dates. If the prices aren't good enough, there are plenty of hotels 2-2.5 miles or so from the Hillcrest area.

Are we still primarily looking at July 22-29 followed by Aug 14-21? If memory serves, we look for a block with a check in for the group on Thursday and a check out on Tuesday with variances for earlier or later check in and check out. For a group, they will want definitive dates and then we can discuss whether or not we can have earlier or later check in and check out. I am fairly certain we will have minimum stay requirements at least three days.

been checking several hotels including the Lafayette so far even with 10 or more rooms ( they seemed reluctant to discuss group since usually full) $250/day was being quoted for those dates...apparently the busiiest time of year and they want a gaurantee on credit card.... some were less but would not block 10 or more rooms in that time....

I tried the discount sites ( Orbitz, Hotwire, and 3 others) called several including the Lafayette got pretty much the same story typically $250 or more or full "nothing available" . north of city found a few around $150 but wouldnt consider holding 10 or more rooms without credit card payment in advance

I tried the discount sites ( Orbitz, Hotwire, and 3 others) called several including the Lafayette got pretty much the same story typically $250 or more or full "nothing available" . north of city found a few around $150 but wouldnt consider holding 10 or more rooms without credit card payment in advance

I see the same thing when I look, Nick. I hope we can figure something out one way or another. I'm off that week, planning on being in Vegas for a long weekend until Tuesday 7/22, but it's early enough that I could change my time off from work for another time. Vegas is pretty much a done deal because I have concert tickets for Saturday 7/19 and Abbey is expecting me so I can meet her baby who is arriving tomorrow. But I seriously can't do $250 per night for a hotel.

Given that the Canadian dollar is at the lowest point in years, like .85 to 1.00 US, Canada could be a viable option. Montreal is beautiful in the summer and for those who have been here before, Ste. Catherine is now closed to traffic from May to September, in the Gay Village.

Plus you have a couple of members who live here and would be happy to help arrange whatever you may need.

Montreal sounds wonderful to me, it has been a city that I have wanted to see - in part because I have quite a bit of family history there. That said - August and September are going to be difficult for me to travel given my work, but perhaps next year.

Montreal sounds wonderful to me, it has been a city that I have wanted to see - in part because I have quite a bit of family history there. That said - August and September are going to be difficult for me to travel given my work, but perhaps next year.

JM

I was kidding about Montreal, as we already had one here. But maybe Vancouver would work and it's nice to have that extra 15% exchange rate bonus.

Skru Montreal. I live in San Diego.Honestly I don't give a damn my daaaarlings. But really, SD can b a bitch. Firstly, it's always expensive, you def need wheels no matter where u stay, but the sun always does shine.Thankfully I can go anywhere any time and Montreal sounds good, but can someone volunteer to smuggle my meds and a stash across the border.My understanding is that the Canadians are more "user friendly' (if u no wata mean) than the yahoos at the our southern border.A bientôt mes amis.

Oh Will.... I am sure all is forgiven. I am returning to beloved Montreal the first week of May. I try to visit once a year...what a wonderful place! And while this isn't great for Canadians, the exchange rate is extremely favorable now. Vancouver is similarly wonderful.

I still hope we work out something in San Diego since we voted for it. I am somewhat surprised we didn't get more interest in Denver especially since the introduction of legal marijuana to AMG would be, well, in a word, interesting! If nothing else, it would take our drinking and our munchies into a whole new level.

Regardless of location (but with sensitivity to our wallets) the important thing is that we still come together. THAT is the real point of AMG...the location, while important, is secondary.

I'm finding the August dates to be much cheaper. One motel (not hotel) I checked is $99 per night during the August range and over $200 in July. Lafayette is down to $125 per night during the August dates, too. I emailed Studio 819, as their site only lists rates through May. If I don't get a response, I'll call.

I recall....watched some of it from the "cruise" a group of us took. If I recall correctly, the hemp festival still involved illegal, even though tolerated, activity. Denver (and soon Washington) have now made the activity legal.